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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 7 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Jul 7, 28; Aug 11; Sep 1, 29, 2012; and Jun 29; Jul 6, 27; Aug 3, 31; Sep 28, 2013. |
| Tour price: | €510 |
| Start city: | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| End city: | Sofia, Bulgaria |
Bulgaria is an ancient European country, one of the oldest on the continent. It combines, in its small territory, splendid nature beauty and landscape diversity abundant historical heritage. This is the land of the oldest gold treasure on Earth (4500 BC), the best-tasting yogurt, fine wines and sweet-scented rose oil. Situated at the South-East corner of Europe, Bulgaria is a land of European culture, spiced up with an oriental charm. Just few months before European Union accession, Bulgaria has a reputation among foreign holiday makers as an exciting destination which surprises pleasantly every visitor.
The tour
This trek takes place in the two mountain chains that contain the Balkan Peninsula's highest peaks housing vast national parks, rare vegetation and rich animal life. The trip is structured to take the participants to remote regions with beautiful and unspoiled natural landscapes. If you do not have the time for extensive trekking in the world's biggest mountain ranges, this tour is strongly recommended. Here you can enjoy the physical challenge of alpine landscapes above the tree border, as well as the cultural treasures of Bulgaria and the warm hospitality of the local people.
Rila Mountains
Rila (highest peak, Musala, at 9,500 feet/2,925 m, is the highest point on the Balkan Peninsula) is the highest mountain in Bulgaria. In 1993 almost the whole massif was declared a National park. The fact that Rila had twice been frozen has most influenced its landscape formation. The numerous circuses, well-formed ice valleys, alpine mounts and more than 180 glacial lakes are certain proof of that. The tall coniferous trees of 164-196 feet (50-60 meters) and the rich animal world of bears, wolfs, imperial eagles, wild goats and many more are pure treasure.
Pirin Mountains
Pirin Mountains (highest peak, Vihren at 9,560 feet (2,914 m), second highest in Bulgaria) are considered by most people as the most beautiful in the country, which is of a most alpine character. In 1983 UNESCO declared the northern and largest part of the massif a monument of world nature heritage. Since 1962 Pirin Mountain has been declared a National Park. Pirin is the land of Spartacus. Its name has to do with the Slavs’ cult of their main god Perun. The mountains consists of extremely rich flora and fauna, 176 ice lakes, valleys and steep cliffs, unique geological formations, rocky mounts and edges, deep circuses and well-formed glacial valleys.
Learn more about guided tours.
Bulgaria is an ancient European country, one of the oldest on the continent. It combines, in its small territory, splendid nature beauty and landscape diversity abundant historical heritage. This is the land of the oldest gold treasure on Earth (4500 BC), the best-tasting yogurt, fine wines and sweet-scented rose oil. Situated at the South-East corner of Europe, Bulgaria is a land of European culture, spiced up with an oriental charm. Just few months before European Union accession, Bulgaria has a reputation among foreign holiday makers as an exciting destination which surprises pleasantly every visitor.
The tour
This trek takes place in the two mountain chains that contain the Balkan Peninsula's highest peaks housing vast national parks, rare vegetation and rich animal life. The trip is structured to take the participants to remote regions with beautiful and unspoiled natural landscapes. If you do not have the time for extensive trekking in the world's biggest mountain ranges, this tour is strongly recommended. Here you can enjoy the physical challenge of alpine landscapes above the tree border, as well as the cultural treasures of Bulgaria and the warm hospitality of the local people.
Rila Mountains
Rila (highest peak, Musala, at 9,500 feet/2,925 m, is the highest point on the Balkan Peninsula) is the highest mountain in Bulgaria. In 1993 almost the whole massif was declared a National park. The fact that Rila had twice been frozen has most influenced its landscape formation. The numerous circuses, well-formed ice valleys, alpine mounts and more than 180 glacial lakes are certain proof of that. The tall coniferous trees of 164-196 feet (50-60 meters) and the rich animal world of bears, wolfs, imperial eagles, wild goats and many more are pure treasure.
Pirin Mountains
Pirin Mountains (highest peak, Vihren at 9,560 feet (2,914 m), second highest in Bulgaria) are considered by most people as the most beautiful in the country, which is of a most alpine character. In 1983 UNESCO declared the northern and largest part of the massif a monument of world nature heritage. Since 1962 Pirin Mountain has been declared a National Park. Pirin is the land of Spartacus. Its name has to do with the Slavs’ cult of their main god Perun. The mountains consists of extremely rich flora and fauna, 176 ice lakes, valleys and steep cliffs, unique geological formations, rocky mounts and edges, deep circuses and well-formed glacial valleys.
Learn more about guided tours.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to the mountain village of Govedartsi (at 3,772 feet/1,150 m above sea level), where you stay overnight (1 hr drive). This is the base for the hikes in Rila Mountains for the next 4 nights. All starting points of the walks for the next days are within 30 minute transfers.
Overnight in Sofia.
Day 2: Govedartsi - Vada Hut - The Seven Rila Lakes - Govedartisi (uphill walk: 3,444 feet/1,050 m; downhill walk 2,788 feet/850 m; walking time 6-7 hours)
Loop hike from Vada Hut to the most eminent area in Rila Mountains - The Seven Rila Lakes (7,200 feet/2,200 m above sea level). The path follows the summit between the Rivers Dzherman and Cherni Iskar, offering fine views towards both Vitosha and Verila mountains.
Overnight in Govedartsi.
Day 3: Govedartsi - Maliovitsa resort - Prekorechki Lakes - Govedartsi (uphill walk 2,788 feet/850 m; downhill walk 2,788 feet/850 m; walking time 6.3 hours)
Another stunning trek from Maliovitsa resort, going up along the valley to the wide circus of Prekorechki Lakes, enclosed by the steep slopes and rocky walls of several peaks exceeding 8,800 feet (2,700 m).
Overnight in Govedartsi.
Day 4: Govedartsi - Musala Peak - Govedartsi (uphill walk 2,132 feet/850 m; downhill walk 2,132 feet/850 m; walking time 6.30 hours)
Today you climb the highest peak on the Balkans, Musala (7,500 feet/2,925 m above sea level). The view from the top is truly breath-taking, as you can make out the remaining peaks of Rila Mountains; the marble edges of the Pirin Mountains; Mount Vitosha and the Sredna Gora Mountains; the green summits of the Rodopi Mountains; and last, but not least, the long body of the Balkan range.
Overnight in Govedartsi.
Day 5: Govedartsi - Rila Monastery - Stob Pyramids - Bansko (uphill walk 492 feet/150 m; downhill walk 492 feet/150 m; walking time 2-3 hours)
Transfer to the most famous landmark of Bulgaria, Rila Monastery. Sightseeing and leisure hike to the hermitage of St. Ivan Rilski. You will then stop by the impressive Stob Pyramids and continue on to the foots of Pirin Mountains and the town of Bansko.
Overnight in Bansko.
Day 6: Bansko - Mount Vihren - Bansko (uphill walk 3,280 feet/1,000 m; downhill walk 3,280 feet/1,000 m; walking time 7-8 hours)
A fairly difficult ascent to highest peak in Pirin Mountains, Mount Vihren (9,500 feet/2,914 m above sea level), awaits you. On the way to the peak you have various opportunities to enjoy most of the Pirin's peaks, Vlahini and Bunderishki glacial lakes as well as Edelweiss and many other rare plants flowering in the Karst parts of the mountains.
Overnight in Bansko.
Day 7: Bansko - Popovo Lake - Valiavishki Lakes - Bansko (uphill walk 2,132 feet/650 m; downhill walk 2,132 feet/650 m)
Today you head towards the biggest and deepest glacial lake in the mountains, Popovo Lake. You then continue on to Dzhengalska Porta saddle, which surprises with the magnificent panoramic view. Going past Valiavishki Lakes you reach the valley of Demianishka River, where the bus waits to take you back to Bansko.
Overnight in Bansko.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Sofia airport for departure (2.3 hour drive)
Jul 7, 28; Aug 11; Sep 1, 29, 2012; and Jun 29; Jul 6, 27; Aug 3, 31; Sep 28, 2013.
| Tour package (guided) |  |
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This tour follows well-maintained mountain trails in the forest, subalpine and alpine zone. Trails include rocky terrain, forest paths, short sections when scrambling up/down is needed. Most of the day-treks are with big ascents and descents.
This tour is rated Moderate and is for hikers in good physical condition.
This tour follows well-maintained mountain trails in the forest, subalpine and alpine zone. Trails include rocky terrain, forest paths, short sections when scrambling up/down is needed. Most of the day-treks are with big ascents and descents.
This tour is rated Moderate and is for hikers in good physical condition.
Tour Start and End
Nearest airport: Sofia or Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Nearest train station: Sofia, Bulgaria
Transfers to and from Sofia or Plovdiv airport are included in the tour price.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour Start and End
Nearest airport: Sofia or Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Nearest train station: Sofia, Bulgaria
Transfers to and from Sofia or Plovdiv airport are included in the tour price.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Bulgaria draws visitors with its beautiful villages, ancient ruins, and vibrant urban nightlife. Its landscapes span from forested hills to mountains to beaches, so it's a popular destination for nature lovers. Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, is also a prime vacation spot for travelers. It's a fantastic way to experience both the antiquity of Bulgaria along with its modernity. With its long and varied history, Bulgaria's Roman and Byzantine influences are evident throughout the land. Because of Bulgaria's proximity to the Black Sea, the seaside resorts are popular destinations for travelers – especially families.
More on bicycling in Bulgaria >
View all Bulgaria bike tours >
Bulgaria draws visitors with its beautiful villages, ancient ruins, and vibrant urban nightlife. Its landscapes span from forested hills to mountains to beaches, so it's a popular destination for nature lovers. Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, is also a prime vacation spot for travelers. It's a fantastic way to experience both the antiquity of Bulgaria along with its modernity. With its long and varied history, Bulgaria's Roman and Byzantine influences are evident throughout the land. Because of Bulgaria's proximity to the Black Sea, the seaside resorts are popular destinations for travelers – especially families.
More on bicycling in Bulgaria >
View all Bulgaria bike tours >
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Penguin Travel is founded in 1989 and has offices in Denmark, Bulgaria, Sweden and Russia. The company is specialized in hiking, cycling and mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching tours, cultural and religious bus tours and other special interests programs. Their staff consists of young, energetic people with great knowledge who are committed to travel and focused on their clients.
With more then 20 years of experience, Penguin Travel includes a large fleet of cars and buses used for the tours, 22 bikes owned by the company, experienced guides and flexibility.
Penguin Travel is founded in 1989 and has offices in Denmark, Bulgaria, Sweden and Russia. The company is specialized in hiking, cycling and mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching tours, cultural and religious bus tours and other special interests programs. Their staff consists of young, energetic people with great knowledge who are committed to travel and focused on their clients.
With more then 20 years of experience, Penguin Travel includes a large fleet of cars and buses used for the tours, 22 bikes owned by the company, experienced guides and flexibility.
The following Booking Conditions, together with all information relating to your chosen holiday contained on our website or in our relevant brochure, form the basis of your contract with Penguin Travel (operating in Bulgaria through its brand names TrekkingBulgaria, CyclingBulgaria, BirdwatchingBulgaria, HorseridingBulgaria, BulgariaCarRent, Ski- BG, SofiaGuest, PlovdivGuest, TransferBulgaria, etc.).
1. Cancellation by you
Should you or any member of your party need to cancel your chosen holiday once it has been confirmed, the party leader must immediately advise us in writing by recorded delivery post or fax. Your notice of cancellation will only be effective when it is received in writing by us at our offices. If we receive your notice 8 weeks or more before departure, we will retain your deposit (NB this includes all amounts due at the time of booking in respect of any flight(s). Such amounts could equal the full cost of the flight(s). If we receive it less than 8 weeks before departure, the following charges will be payable per person cancelling except where these represent less than the deposit(s) paid at the time of booking per person cancelling - in this case the deposit(s) paid will be retained by us by way of cancellation charge and not the percentage shown below. The charges set out below are shown as a percentage of the total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges, according to the period before departure within which written notification of cancellation is received by us.
- > 30 days - 30%
- 29 - 15 days - 50%
- 14 - 8 days - 70%
- 7 days or less - 100%
If any member(s) of your party is/are prevented from travelling, the person(s) concerned will be able to transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you) providing the following requirements are complied with. We must be notified of the transfer(s) in writing (giving full details of the original and substitute party member(s)) not less than two weeks before departure. A transfer will not be possible if there is a waiting list for places in which case the available place must be offered to the next person on that list. For flight inclusive bookings, you must pay the charges levied by the airline concerned. As most airlines do not permit name changes after tickets have been issued for any reason, these charges are likely to be the full cost of the flight.
2. Changes and cancellation by us
We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in brochure, website and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a "significant change" before departure, such as: a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of accommodation area for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours, alterations to your confirmed place of departure that add more than 100 miles to any single leg of your journey. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options:
(a) accepting the changed arrangements or
(b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. We will offer you at least one alternative holiday of equivalent or higher standard for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the price of the original holiday. If this holiday is in fact cheaper than the original one, we will refund the price difference. If you do not wish to accept the holiday we specifically offer you, you may choose any of our other then available holidays. You must pay the applicable price of any such holiday. This will mean your paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper or
(c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us.
3. Making your booking
Once we have received your booking request an invoice will be issued and sent to you, which is actually a confirmation for the services required. As soon as we receive the deposit and rest payment, mentioned in the invoice, we will send you the vouchers for all services, stated in the invoice. Contact us immediately if any information which is presented on any document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later.
4. Payment
In order to confirm your holiday, a deposit of 100,- Euro per person must be paid at the time of booking (or within a week after that, but not later). In order to secure particular flight fares, we may require a higher deposit than normal to be paid at the time of booking. This may include an amount up to the full cost of the flight(s) concerned. We will advise you of this before you confirm your booking.
The balance of the holiday price must be received by us not less than 5 weeks prior to departure. If we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we will send you a written reminder. If you do not pay all payments due in full within 7 days of receiving this reminder, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you.
5. The cost of your holiday
We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in advertised prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. If there are any changes to the published prices, these will be confirmed at the time of booking. We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the then applicable price at the time of booking.
Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed at the time of booking then, subject to the correction of errors, we will only increase or decrease the price, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if our costs increase or decrease as a result of transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports increasing or decreasing. We will not change the confirmed price of your holiday due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. We will absorb increased costs up to a total amount equivalent to 5% of the cost of your confirmed holiday. Only if the increased costs exceed this 5% will we ask you to pay the difference. If any increase is greater than 5% of the cost of your holiday, you will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to us (except for any amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us.
6. Changes by you
Should you wish to make any changes to your confirmed holiday, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Whilst we will endeavour to assist, we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet any such requests.
7. Force majeure
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of, "force majeure". In these Booking Conditions, "force majeure" means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.
8. Our liability to you
(1) We promise to make sure that the holiday arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as applicable as part of our contract with you are made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these booking conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday arrangements. Please note it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:
(a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or
(b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or
(c) 'force majeure'.
We cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in our brochure or website and we have not agreed to arrange them. Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers. Additionally we cannot accept liability for any business losses.
(2) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday in question.
(3) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question (including, for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended or unamended and the Montreal Convention 1999 for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air and the Athens convention for international travel by sea). Please note: Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable International Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.
(4) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint as set out in below. If asked to do so, you must transfer to us or our insurers any rights you have against the supplier or whoever else is responsible for your claim or complaint (if the person concerned is under 18, their parent or guardian must do so). You must also agree to cooperate fully with us and our insurers if we or our insurers want to enforce any rights which are transferred.
9. Complaints and problems
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday whilst away, you must immediately inform the hotelier, carrier or other supplier in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to them as soon as possible. If the complaint or problem is not resolved to your satisfaction straight away, you must contact us with full details by telephone or fax within 48 hours. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot assist. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied, however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return back to your home giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint.
10. Riding ability and itinerary (riding holidays only)
To avoid any unnecessary risk to customers, our colleagues at the riding centres must reserve the right to modify the holiday of any rider who, in their opinion, proves to be unsuitable for the ride chosen. In this unlikely event any additional costs will be borne by the customer. It is the responsibility of the customer to behave in a suitable manner at all times and to follow the advice and instructions of the guide. If local conditions, such as bad weather, dictate a change in the proposed itinerary, the decision of the guide must be accepted and no refund will be offered in such circumstances.
11. Your responsibilities
Bookings are accepted on the understanding that all persons travelling are normally in good health and able to fulfil the physical demands of the chosen holiday. Please do not take risks while on an activity holiday. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation.
When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or loss (including lost keys) must be paid direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party's full legal costs) as a result of your actions. We expect all clients to have consideration for other people. If in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, you or any member of your party behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to any third party or damage to property, we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation or other service. We will have no further responsibility toward such person(s) including any return travel arrangements. No refunds will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination.
12. Special requests and medical problems
If you have any special request, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot promise that any request will be met unless we have specifically confirmed this in writing. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed onto the supplier or the inclusion of the request on your Booking Confirmation and Invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as "standard" bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests.
13. Brochure & website accuracy
Please note, the information and prices shown on this site and in our brochures may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website, brochures and prices at the time of printing, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. This website and our brochures are our sole responsibility. They are not produced on behalf of and do not commit any independent organisation/carriers whose services are featured in it.
The following Booking Conditions, together with all information relating to your chosen holiday contained on our website or in our relevant brochure, form the basis of your contract with Penguin Travel (operating in Bulgaria through its brand names TrekkingBulgaria, CyclingBulgaria, BirdwatchingBulgaria, HorseridingBulgaria, BulgariaCarRent, Ski- BG, SofiaGuest, PlovdivGuest, TransferBulgaria, etc.).
1. Cancellation by you
Should you or any member of your party need to cancel your chosen holiday once it has been confirmed, the party leader must immediately advise us in writing by recorded delivery post or fax. Your notice of cancellation will only be effective when it is received in writing by us at our offices. If we receive your notice 8 weeks or more before departure, we will retain your deposit (NB this includes all amounts due at the time of booking in respect of any flight(s). Such amounts could equal the full cost of the flight(s). If we receive it less than 8 weeks before departure, the following charges will be payable per person cancelling except where these represent less than the deposit(s) paid at the time of booking per person cancelling - in this case the deposit(s) paid will be retained by us by way of cancellation charge and not the percentage shown below. The charges set out below are shown as a percentage of the total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges, according to the period before departure within which written notification of cancellation is received by us.
- > 30 days - 30%
- 29 - 15 days - 50%
- 14 - 8 days - 70%
- 7 days or less - 100%
If any member(s) of your party is/are prevented from travelling, the person(s) concerned will be able to transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you) providing the following requirements are complied with. We must be notified of the transfer(s) in writing (giving full details of the original and substitute party member(s)) not less than two weeks before departure. A transfer will not be possible if there is a waiting list for places in which case the available place must be offered to the next person on that list. For flight inclusive bookings, you must pay the charges levied by the airline concerned. As most airlines do not permit name changes after tickets have been issued for any reason, these charges are likely to be the full cost of the flight.
2. Changes and cancellation by us
We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in brochure, website and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a "significant change" before departure, such as: a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of accommodation area for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours, alterations to your confirmed place of departure that add more than 100 miles to any single leg of your journey. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options:
(a) accepting the changed arrangements or
(b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. We will offer you at least one alternative holiday of equivalent or higher standard for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the price of the original holiday. If this holiday is in fact cheaper than the original one, we will refund the price difference. If you do not wish to accept the holiday we specifically offer you, you may choose any of our other then available holidays. You must pay the applicable price of any such holiday. This will mean your paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper or
(c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us.
3. Making your booking
Once we have received your booking request an invoice will be issued and sent to you, which is actually a confirmation for the services required. As soon as we receive the deposit and rest payment, mentioned in the invoice, we will send you the vouchers for all services, stated in the invoice. Contact us immediately if any information which is presented on any document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later.
4. Payment
In order to confirm your holiday, a deposit of 100,- Euro per person must be paid at the time of booking (or within a week after that, but not later). In order to secure particular flight fares, we may require a higher deposit than normal to be paid at the time of booking. This may include an amount up to the full cost of the flight(s) concerned. We will advise you of this before you confirm your booking.
The balance of the holiday price must be received by us not less than 5 weeks prior to departure. If we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we will send you a written reminder. If you do not pay all payments due in full within 7 days of receiving this reminder, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you.
5. The cost of your holiday
We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in advertised prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. If there are any changes to the published prices, these will be confirmed at the time of booking. We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the then applicable price at the time of booking.
Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed at the time of booking then, subject to the correction of errors, we will only increase or decrease the price, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if our costs increase or decrease as a result of transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports increasing or decreasing. We will not change the confirmed price of your holiday due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. We will absorb increased costs up to a total amount equivalent to 5% of the cost of your confirmed holiday. Only if the increased costs exceed this 5% will we ask you to pay the difference. If any increase is greater than 5% of the cost of your holiday, you will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to us (except for any amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us.
6. Changes by you
Should you wish to make any changes to your confirmed holiday, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Whilst we will endeavour to assist, we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet any such requests.
7. Force majeure
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of, "force majeure". In these Booking Conditions, "force majeure" means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.
8. Our liability to you
(1) We promise to make sure that the holiday arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as applicable as part of our contract with you are made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these booking conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday arrangements. Please note it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:
(a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or
(b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or
(c) 'force majeure'.
We cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in our brochure or website and we have not agreed to arrange them. Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers. Additionally we cannot accept liability for any business losses.
(2) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday in question.
(3) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question (including, for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended or unamended and the Montreal Convention 1999 for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air and the Athens convention for international travel by sea). Please note: Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable International Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.
(4) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint as set out in below. If asked to do so, you must transfer to us or our insurers any rights you have against the supplier or whoever else is responsible for your claim or complaint (if the person concerned is under 18, their parent or guardian must do so). You must also agree to cooperate fully with us and our insurers if we or our insurers want to enforce any rights which are transferred.
9. Complaints and problems
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday whilst away, you must immediately inform the hotelier, carrier or other supplier in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to them as soon as possible. If the complaint or problem is not resolved to your satisfaction straight away, you must contact us with full details by telephone or fax within 48 hours. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot assist. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied, however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return back to your home giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint.
10. Riding ability and itinerary (riding holidays only)
To avoid any unnecessary risk to customers, our colleagues at the riding centres must reserve the right to modify the holiday of any rider who, in their opinion, proves to be unsuitable for the ride chosen. In this unlikely event any additional costs will be borne by the customer. It is the responsibility of the customer to behave in a suitable manner at all times and to follow the advice and instructions of the guide. If local conditions, such as bad weather, dictate a change in the proposed itinerary, the decision of the guide must be accepted and no refund will be offered in such circumstances.
11. Your responsibilities
Bookings are accepted on the understanding that all persons travelling are normally in good health and able to fulfil the physical demands of the chosen holiday. Please do not take risks while on an activity holiday. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation.
When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or loss (including lost keys) must be paid direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party's full legal costs) as a result of your actions. We expect all clients to have consideration for other people. If in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, you or any member of your party behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to any third party or damage to property, we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation or other service. We will have no further responsibility toward such person(s) including any return travel arrangements. No refunds will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination.
12. Special requests and medical problems
If you have any special request, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot promise that any request will be met unless we have specifically confirmed this in writing. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed onto the supplier or the inclusion of the request on your Booking Confirmation and Invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as "standard" bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests.
13. Brochure & website accuracy
Please note, the information and prices shown on this site and in our brochures may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website, brochures and prices at the time of printing, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. This website and our brochures are our sole responsibility. They are not produced on behalf of and do not commit any independent organisation/carriers whose services are featured in it.
